Former Top Prospect Reflects on Time in San Diego, Refers to Padres as 'Family'

He took a different route but San Diego will always be in his heart.

When the San Diego Padres took the field during a 3-1 win against the Colorado Rockies, a familiar face was playing against them. The very first player to step up to the plate was Jurickson Profar who made his season debut for the Rockies.

Profar logged three seasons with the Padres after he was dealt there and in 2022, he enjoyed his most productive year in some time. He proved to be a difference-maker as the Friars went against the odds and made noise in the postseason as he slashed .243/.331/.391 with 15 home runs.

However, heading into this season, Profar had to make a tough decision that he believed would be best for his career. Despite being slated to make $7 million guaranteed in 2023, he worked out a buyout with San Diego and joined Colorado instead.

It was a super bittersweet moment for both sides when he returned to Petco Park and he detailed his emotions in an interview with 'The San Diego-Union Tribune.'

love you @JURICKSONPROFAR pic.twitter.com/bnYwbKxTgp

— eric (@leer1c) April 2, 2023

"“It was everything to me,” said Profar. “My teammates, the city, everything. If I was a normal free agent, not opting out, it’s different. Opting out and free agency taking that long, I always wanted to stay. I didn't want to opt out but I did. They have a good team, so I wish them the best, but we have a good team too. I’m trying to learn a new organization, the players. I’m trying to help them."

(Via The San Diego-Union Tribune)

Seeing how close he got to his teammates, I'm sure they would have loved for him to have stuck around. However, both parties have different priorities. The Friars were clearly trying to round out their roster and spent a ton of money in the process. As an outfielder, Profar would have had to fight more players for his role this year.

He signed a one-year contract with the Rockies worth $7.7 million. I view this as a prove-it deal for him because he's going to have a bigger role with them and showcase what he's able to do.